Reduced-pressure canisters and methods for recycling

ABSTRACT

Reduced-pressure canisters and methods for recycling are disclosed. In one instance, a method for performing multiple reduced pressure treatments on one or more patients includes providing a reduced-pressure treatment system that includes a first canister body, a fluid reservoir, and one or more modules, such as a pump control module. The method involves using the reduced-pressure system and then removing one or more modules and placing the one or more modules in fitted shipping receptacle that disallows shipping of the fluid reservoir. The one or more modules may be reconditioned and coupled to a second canister body. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims the benefit, under 35 USC §119(e), of thefiling of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/414,738,entitled “Reduced-Pressure Canisters and Methods for Recycling,” filed17 Nov. 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/345,830,entitled “Systems and Methods for Measuring Reduced Pressure EmployingAn Isolated Fluid Path,” filed 18 May 2010, which is incorporated hereinby reference for all purposes; and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/345,821, entitled “Reduced-Pressure Treatment Systems andMethods Employing A Fluidly Isolated Pump Control Unit,” filed 18 May2010, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to reduced-pressure medicaltreatment systems and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation,to reduced-pressure canisters, methods, and systems.

Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a reducedpressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and accelerates thegrowth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of thisphenomenon are numerous, but application of reduced pressure has beenparticularly successful in treating wounds. This treatment (frequentlyreferred to in the medical community as “negative pressure woundtherapy,” “reduced pressure therapy,” or “vacuum therapy”) provides anumber of benefits, which may include faster healing and increasedformulation of granulation tissue. Typically, reduced pressure isapplied to tissue through a porous pad or other manifold device. Theporous pad contains cells or pores that are capable of distributingreduced pressure to the tissue and channeling fluids that are drawn fromthe tissue.

SUMMARY

According to an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, areduced-pressure treatment device for use with a system for treating atissue site on a patient with reduced pressure includes a canister unithaving a pump head with at least one diaphragm, wherein the pump head isfluidly coupled to the tissue site to provide reduced pressure to thetissue site, and a fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to the pump head forcollecting fluid from the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatmentdevice also includes a pump control unit fluidly separate from thecanister unit and operable to provide pump energy to the pump head tocause the pump head to generate reduced pressure. The pump control unitmay have a control device and a power system for providing power to thecontrol device. The reduced-pressure treatment device further includesat least one linking interface associated with the canister unit and thepump control unit. The linking interface provides the pump energy to thepump head to generate reduced pressure.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, areduced-pressure treatment system for providing reduced-pressuretreatment to a tissue site on a patient includes a manifold fordisposing proximate the tissue site, a sealing member for placing overthe tissue site and the manifold and operable to form a fluid seal, anda reduced-pressure treatment device. The reduced-pressure treatmentdevice includes a canister unit having a pump head with at least onediaphragm, wherein the pump head is for fluidly coupling to the tissuesite to provide reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a fluidreservoir fluidly coupled to the pump head for collecting fluid from thetissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment device also includes a pumpcontrol unit that is fluidly separate from the canister unit andoperable to provide the pump energy to the pump head to cause the pumphead to generate reduced pressure. The pump control unit may have acontrol device and a power system for providing power to the controldevice. The reduced-pressure treatment device further includes at leastone linking interface associated with the canister unit and the pumpcontrol unit. The linking interface provides energy to the pump head togenerate reduced pressure.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment a method ofproviding reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site on a patientincludes the steps of placing a manifold proximate the tissue site,disposing a sealing member over the manifold and a patient's epidermis,forming a fluid seal between the sealing member and the patient'sepidermis, and delivering reduced pressure to the manifold. The step ofdelivering reduced pressure to the manifold includes providing anelectrical current to a first electromagnet that is substantiallyaligned with a diaphragm. The first electromagnet is fluidly isolatedfrom the diaphragm. The first electromagnet deflects the diaphragm froma first position to a second position, and the movement of the diaphragmbetween the first position and the second position causes fluid movementto generate reduced pressure.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method forperforming multiple reduced pressure treatments on one or more patientsincludes providing a reduced-pressure treatment system. Thereduced-pressure treatment system includes a first canister body formedwith a fluid reservoir, a conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoirfor delivering fluids to the fluid reservoir from the patient, a pumpattached to the first canister body and operable to develop a reducedpressure within the fluid reservoir, a removable power-and-control unitcoupled to the pump for activating and controlling the pump, and afitted shipping receptacle for receiving and holding thepower-and-control unit during shipment to a recycling center. Theremovable power-and-control unit is operable to be removed by a user.The method further includes using the reduced-pressure treatment systemto remove fluids from the patient, removing the power-and-control unitfrom the first canister after use, and placing power-and-control unit inthe fitted shipping receptacle and shipping to a reconditioning center.The method may also include reconditioning the power-and-control unitand removeably coupling the power-and-control unit to a second canisterhousing.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a fluidcollection system for use with patients undergoing reduced pressuretreatment includes a canister body formed with a fluid reservoir, aconduit fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir for delivering fluids tothe fluid reservoir from the patient, a pump attached to the canisterbody and operable to develop a reduced pressure within the fluidreservoir, and a removable power-and-control unit coupled to the pumpfor activating and controlling the pump. The removable power-and-controlunit is operable to be removed by user. The fluid collection system mayfurther include a fitted shipping receptacle for receiving and holdingthe power-and-control unit during shipment to a recycling center.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method forperforming multiple reduced pressure treatments on one or more patientsincludes providing a reduced-pressure treatment system. Thereduced-pressure treatment system includes a first canister body formedwith a fluid reservoir, a conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoirfor delivering fluids to the fluid reservoir from the patient, a pumpattached to the first canister body and operable to develop a reducedpressure within the fluid reservoir, a control unit coupled to the pumpfor controlling the pump, and a removable power unit coupled to the pumpfor activating the pump. The removable power unit is operable to beremoved by a user. The reduced-pressure treatment system also mayinclude a fitted shipping receptacle for receiving and holding the powerunit during shipment to a recycling center. The method further includesusing the reduced-pressure system to remove fluids from the patient,removing the power unit from the first canister after use, placing powerunit in the fitted shipping receptacle and shipping to a reconditioningcenter. The method may also include reconditioning the power unit, andremoveably coupling the power unit to a second canister housing.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a fluidcollection system for use with patients undergoing reduced pressuretreatment includes a first canister body formed with a fluid reservoir,a conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir for delivering fluidsto the fluid reservoir from the patient, a pump attached to the firstcanister body and operable to develop a reduced pressure within thefluid reservoir, a control unit coupled to the pump for controlling thepump, and a removable power unit coupled to the pump for activating thepump. The removable power unit is operable to be removed by a user. Thesystem further includes a fitted shipping receptacle for receiving andholding the power unit during shipment to a recycling center.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method forperforming multiple reduced pressure treatments on one or more patientsincludes providing a reduced-pressure treatment system. Thereduced-pressure system includes a first canister body formed with afluid reservoir, a conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir fordelivering fluids to the fluid reservoir from the patient, and aremovable pump coupled to the first canister body and operable todevelop a reduced pressure within the fluid reservoir. The removablepump is operable to be removed by a user. The reduced-pressure systemfurther includes a removable power-and-control unit coupled to the pumpfor activating and controlling the pump. The removable power-and-controlunit is operable to be removed by a user. The reduced-pressure systemfurther includes a fitted shipping receptacle for receiving and holdingthe pump and power-and-control unit during shipment to a recyclingcenter. The method further includes using the reduced-pressure system toremove fluids from the patient, removing the pump and thepower-and-control unit from the first canister after use and placing thepump and the power-and-control unit in the fitted shipping receptacleand shipping to a reconditioning center. The method may further includereconditioning the pump and power-and-control unit and removeablycoupling the pump and power-and-control unit to a second canisterhousing.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a fluidcollection system for use with patients undergoing reduced pressuretreatment includes a first canister body formed with a fluid reservoir,a conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir for delivering fluidsto the fluid reservoir from the patient, and a removable pump coupled tothe first canister body and operable to develop a reduced pressurewithin the fluid reservoir. The removable pump is operable to be removedby a user. The fluid collection system further includes a removablepower-and-control unit coupled to the pump for activating andcontrolling the pump. The removable power-and-control unit is operableto be removed by a user. The fluid collection system further includes afitted shipping receptacle for receiving and holding the pump andpower-and-control unit during shipment to a recycling center.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a fluidcollection system for use with patients undergoing reduced pressuretreatment includes a canister unit formed with a fluid reservoir, aconduit fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir for delivering fluids tothe fluid reservoir from the patient, a connection member, and a pumpcontrol unit coupled by the connection member to the canister unit. Thepump control unit includes a pump, control electronics for controllingthe pump, and a power unit. The pump is fluidly coupled to the fluidreservoir and is operable to develop a reduced pressure within the fluidreservoir. The connection is operable to selectively hold the pumpcontrol unit and the canister unit in relative positions and toselectively allow separation of the pump control unit and the canisterunit.

According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method forperforming multiple reduced pressure treatments on one or more patientsincludes providing a reduced-pressure treatment system. Thereduced-pressure treatment system includes a canister unit formed with afluid reservoir, a conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir fordelivering fluids to the fluid reservoir from the patient, a connectionmember, and a pump control unit coupled by the connection member to thecanister unit. The pump control unit includes a pump, controlelectronics for controlling the pump, and a power unit. The pump isfluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir is operable to develop a reducedpressure within the fluid reservoir. The connection member is operableto selectively hold the pump control unit and the canister unit inrelative positions and to selectively allow separation of the pumpcontrol unit and the canister unit. The method further includes usingthe reduced-pressure treatment system to collect fluids, disconnectingthe connection member such that pump control unit is separate from thecanister unit, disposing of the canister unit, and shipping the pumpcontrol unit to a recycling center for use with a second canister unit.

Other features and advantages of the illustrative embodiments willbecome apparent with reference to the drawings and the detaileddescription that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, with a portion shown in cross section anda portion shown in perspective, of an illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, exploded, perspective view of an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of the reduced-pressuretreatment device of FIG. 2 shown in an assembled state;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment device;

FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic diagrams showing an illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a linking interface and showing a portion of a pump headin different positions involved with pumping;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative reduced-pressuretreatment device showing a pump head acting directly on fluid receivedfrom a tissue site;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment device;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of still another illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment device;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a fluid collection system for use as an aspect of areduced-pressure treatment system;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the fluid collection system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the fluid collection system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the fluid collection system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a schematic, perspective view of an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a fitted shipping receptacle with a unitbeing inserted;

FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram of an illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a first portion of another illustrative fitted shippingreceptacle;

FIG. 14B is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a second portion of a fitted shippingreceptacle, wherein the second portion is sized and configured to matethe first portion shown in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 is a schematic, exploded perspective of an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a fitted shipping receptacle shown fitted toreceive a components or a unit of a fluid collection system;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a fluid collection system for use with patients undergoingreduced pressure treatment; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic, perspective view of an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a fluid collection system for use withpatients undergoing reduced pressure treatment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereofThese embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural,mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail notnecessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodimentsdescribed herein, the description may omit certain information known tothose skilled in the art. The following detailed description is not tobe taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrativeembodiments is defined only by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-4, an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment system 100 forproviding reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site 102 of a patientis presented. The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 includes amanifold 104 placed proximate to the tissue site 102. The tissue site102 may be the bodily tissue of any human, animal, or other organism,including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, dermal tissue,vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, orany other tissue. In this embodiment, the tissue site 102 includestissue in a body cavity, and in particular the abdominal cavity, andincludes the abdominal contents or tissue proximate the abdominalcontents. Treatment of tissue site 102 may include removal of fluids,e.g., ascites, protection of the abdominal cavity, or delivery ofreduced pressure.

A reduced-pressure treatment device 106 that is fluidly coupled to themanifold 104. The reduced-pressure treatment device 106 has a canisterunit 108 and a pump control unit 110. The pump control unit 110 isfluidly separate or isolated from the canister unit 108. Fluidlyseparating the pump control unit 110 and the canister unit 108 helpsprevent the pump control unit 110 from being contaminated by fluids.Separating the pump control unit 110 and the canister unit 108 alsofacilitates reusing high-value components of the pump control unit 110.Moreover, the separation may, in some embodiments, facilitate making thecanister unit 108 disposable. The pump control unit 110 and the canisterunit 108 are further described below.

The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 is used to treat the tissuesite 102, which may be a wound 112. In one illustrative, non-limitingembodiment, the wound 112 is through or involves epidermis 114, dermis116, and subcutaneous tissue 118. The reduced-pressure treatment system100 may also be used at other tissue sites. The tissue site 102 may bethe bodily tissue of any human, animal, or other organism, includingbone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, dermal tissue, vasculartissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or any othertissue. Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does notrequire mutual exclusivity.

The manifold 104 is disposed proximate to the tissue site 102. Amanifold is a substance or structure that is provided to assist inapplying reduced pressure to, delivering fluids to, or removing fluidsfrom a tissue site 102. The manifold 104 typically includes a pluralityof flow channels or pathways that distribute fluids provided to andremoved from the tissue site 102 around the manifold 104. In oneillustrative embodiment, the flow channels or pathways areinterconnected to improve distribution of fluids provided or removedfrom the tissue site 102. The manifold 104 may be a biocompatiblematerial that is capable of being placed in contact with tissue site 102and distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site 102. Examples ofmanifolds 104 may include, for example, without limitation, devices thathave structural elements arranged to form flow channels, such as, forexample, cellular foam, open-cell foam, porous tissue collections,liquids, gels, and foams that include, or cure to include, flowchannels. The manifold 104 may be porous and may be made from foam,gauze, felted mat, or any other material suited to a particularbiological application. In one embodiment, the manifold 104 is a porousfoam and includes a plurality of interconnected cells or pores that actas flow channels. The porous foam may be a polyurethane, open-cell,reticulated foam such as GranuFoam® material manufactured by KineticConcepts, Incorporated of San Antonio, Tex. In some situations, themanifold 104 may also be used to distribute fluids such as medications,antibacterials, growth factors, and various solutions to the tissue site102. Other layers may be included in or on the manifold 104, such asabsorptive materials, wicking materials, hydrophobic materials, andhydrophilic materials.

In one embodiment, the manifold 104 may be constructed frombioresorbable materials that do not have to be removed from a patient'sbody following use of the reduced-pressure dressing. Suitablebioresorbable materials may include, without limitation, a polymericblend of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). Thepolymeric blend may also include without limitation polycarbonates,polyfumarates, and capralactones. The manifold 104 may further serve asa scaffold for new cell-growth, or a scaffold material may be used inconjunction with the manifold 104 to promote cell-growth. A scaffold isa substance or structure used to enhance or promote the growth of cellsor formation of tissue, such as a three-dimensional porous structurethat provides a template for cell growth. Illustrative examples ofscaffold materials include calcium phosphate, collagen, PLA/PGA, coralhydroxy apatites, carbonates, or processed allograft materials.

A sealing member 120 is placed over the manifold 104 and a portion ofthe patient's epidermis 114. The sealing member 120 may be anelastomeric material or any material or substance that provides a fluidseal. Examples of elastomers may include, but are not limited to,natural rubbers, polyisoprene, styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprenerubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylenerubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene,polysulfide rubber, polyurethane, EVA film, co-polyester, and silicones.Further still, the sealing member 120 may include a silicone drape, 3MTegaderm® drape, acrylic drape such as one available from AveryDennison.

The sealing member 120 may have an attachment device 122 that helps forma fluid seal between the sealing member 120 and the patient's epidermis114. The attachment device 122 may be used to hold the sealing member120 against the patient's epidermis 114 or another layer, such as agasket or additional sealing member. The attachment device 122 may takenumerous forms. For example, the attachment device 122 may be amedically acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive or a hydrocolloid thatextends about a periphery of the sealing member 120. The fluid seal isadequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired site given theparticular reduced-pressure source or subsystem involved.

A reduced-pressure interface 124 may be coupled to the sealing member120 to provide fluid access to the manifold 104. A reduced-pressuredelivery conduit 126 fluidly couples the reduced-pressure treatmentdevice 106 and the reduced-pressure interface 124. In one illustrativeembodiment, the reduced-pressure interface 124 is a T.R.A.C.® Pad orSensa T.R.A.C.® Pad available from KCI of San Antonio, Tex. Thereduced-pressure interface 124 allows the reduced pressure to bedelivered to the tissue site 102. While the amount and nature of reducedpressure applied to a tissue site will typically vary according to theapplication, the reduced pressure will typically be between −5 mm Hg(−667 Pa) and −500 mm Hg (−66.7 kPa) and more typically between −75 mmHg (−9.9 kPa) and −300 mm Hg (−39.9 kPa). For example, and not by way oflimitation, the pressure may be −12, −12.5, −13, −14, −14.5, −15, −15.5,−16, −16.5, −17, −17.5, −18, −18.5, −19, −19.5, −20, −20.5, −21, −21.5,−22, −22.5, −23, −23.5, −24, −24.5, −25, −25.5, −26, −26.5 kPa oranother pressure.

Reduced pressure is a pressure less than the ambient pressure at atissue site that is being subjected to treatment. In most cases, thisreduced pressure will be less than the atmospheric pressure at which thepatient is located. Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less thana hydrostatic pressure at the tissue site. Reduced pressure mayinitially generate fluid flow in the manifold 104, the reduced-pressuredelivery conduit 126, and proximate the tissue site 102. As thehydrostatic pressure around the tissue site 102 approaches the desiredreduced pressure, the flow may subside, and the reduced pressure may bemaintained. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated hereinare gauge pressures. The reduced pressure delivered may be constant orvaried (patterned or random) and may be delivered continuously orintermittently. Although the terms “vacuum” and “negative pressure” maybe used to describe the pressure applied to the tissue site, the actualpressure applied to the tissue site 102 may be more than the pressurenormally associated with a complete vacuum. Consistent with the useherein, an increase in reduced pressure or vacuum pressure refers to arelative reduction in absolute pressure.

The reduced-pressure treatment device 106 delivers reduced pressure andreceives fluids, such as exudates, from the tissue site 102. Thereduced-pressure treatment device 106 includes an attaching device, suchas clip member 128, to hold the canister unit 108 proximate to the pumpcontrol unit 110. The attaching device or clip member 128 in theembodiment shown may hold the canister unit 108 substantially flushagainst the pump control unit 110. An air gap channel 130 may be formedbetween the canister unit 108 and the pump control unit 110. A frontportion 132 of the canister unit 108 may be transparent to allow fluidwithin the canister unit 108 to be viewed from outside of the canisterunit 108. A graduated scale 134 may be included on the front portion 132to visually determine the amount of liquids in the canister unit 108.The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 126 fluidly couples to thecanister unit 108 to deliver reduced pressure to the tissue site 102 andto deliver fluids from the tissue site 102 to the canister unit 108.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 2, an exploded view of thereduced-pressure treatment device 106 is presented. The pump controlunit 110 may include a pump control unit housing 138 that may include abase portion 140 and a cover 142. An interior 144 of the base portion140 may include batteries 146, or power unit, or other power supply. Inone embodiment, the batteries 146 may be recharged by placing thereduced-pressure treatment device 106 on a charging cradle (not shown).The interior 144 may also include a first electromagnet 148 and a secondelectromagnet 150. The electromagnets 148, 150 may be, for example,electromagnetic coils or solenoids. A control device 152 is includedwithin the interior 144 and provides controlling elements for theelectromagnets 148, 150. The control device 152 may also execute inputsfrom a user interface device 136 as described below. The cover 142 issized and configured to mate with the base portion 140 and provide asubstantially fluid tight seal therewith. The cover 142 may beremoveably or permanently joined to the base portion 140 by welding,fasteners, or other coupling techniques.

The pump control unit 110 is configured to be secure in close proximityto the canister unit 108. In the illustrative embodiment, the canisterunit 108 is made to be placed inside of the clip member 128 and form aninterference fit to hold the canister unit 108 against the pump controlunit 110. It should be understood that numerous other techniques anddevices may be used for holding the pump control unit 110 in closeproximity to the canister unit 108.

The canister unit 108 includes a pump head 154. The pump head 154 mayinclude one or more diaphragms, such as a first diaphragm 156 and asecond diaphragm 158. The diaphragm includes a sheet of semi-flexible orflexible material anchored at the sheet's periphery to a wall. The pumphead 154 may further include a pump chamber 160. The pump head 154 isoperable to produce a reduced pressure that is delivered through aconduit or aperture 162 to a fluid reservoir 164, which may include oneor more baffles 166. The canister unit 108 has a base portion 168 and amembrane 170. The membrane 170 may be vapor permeable. The membrane 170covers at least a portion of the fluid reservoir 164 and may besupported in part by the baffles 166. The base portion 168 of thecanister unit 108 includes a recessed portion 172 that forms the air gapchannel 130 between the canister unit 108 and the pump control unit 110when assembled. The membrane 170 may be an ultra high moisture-vaportransmission ratio (MVTR) membrane that allows water vapor to pass fromthe fluid reservoir 164 to atmosphere. The air gap channel 130facilitates the transfer of the water vapor.

The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 126 interfaces with areduced-pressure inlet 174 and delivers fluids to a receiving chamber176 that is in fluid communication with the pump chamber 160. The secondelectromagnet 150 may be a second pressure detector that may monitor thelevel of reduced pressure in the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 126,and consequently, the tissue site 102, by measuring the position of thesecond diaphragm 158. The position of the second diaphragm 158 ismeasured via the change in inductance experienced by the secondelectromagnet 150 as the second diaphragm 158 is displaced. Likewise,the first electromagnet 148 may include a first pressure detector (notshown) that may measure the pressure in the canister unit 108 bymeasuring the position of the first diaphragm 156 via the change ininductance experienced by the first electromagnet 148 as the firstdiaphragm 156 moves.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 4, the reduced-pressure treatment device106 includes the canister unit 108 and the pump control unit 110. Thepump control unit 110 is fluidly separate or isolated from the pump head154. The pump control unit 110 is also fluidly separate from thecanister unit 108. The pump control unit 110 communicates or providespump energy to the pump head 154. The pump energy in turn movescomponents, e.g., the first diaphragm 156, on the pump head 154 and thatmovement is used to generate reduced pressure. In some embodiments, thesecond diaphragm 158 may be included in the pump head 154 to generatereduced pressure or to measure the reduced pressure.

A valve assembly 184 may be associated with the first diaphragm 156 andthe pump chamber 160 (FIG. 2). The valve assembly 184 may be, forexample, one or more one-way valves (see, e.g., one-way valves 194 inFIG. 5A) that allow fluids to be moved out of the pump chamber 160 toproduce a reduced pressure that is communicated to conduit 180. Othertechniques for using moving components to produce reduced pressure maybe used.

The pump control unit 110 may include the user interface device 136, thecontrol device 152, and a power subsystem 178, such as the batteries 146(FIG. 2). The pump control unit 110 may be configured for one setting ofoperation, and in such an illustrative embodiment, power from the powersubsystem 178 may be supplied directly to the control device 152. Thereduced-pressure treatment device 106 will then produce reduced pressureat the pre-set level.

In another illustrative embodiment, a user may enter parameters into thereduced-pressure treatment device 106, such as a desired pressure range,time duration for operation, or other performance parameters. In thislatter illustrative embodiment, the user interface device 136 may beused. The user interface device 136 may be a panel with selector buttonsfor input as well as a display for presenting information and options tothe user. The user interface device 136 may be electrically coupled tothe power subsystem 178 and to the control device 152.

The user interface device 136 takes user interaction and translates thatinto an electrical or software code command for use in thereduced-pressure treatment device 106. The user interface device 136 maybe a capacitive or resistive touch panel over (or with) LCD, OLED, orLED screens; membrane panels with buttons and LEDs; enclosure mountedbuttons with LEDs; enclosure-mounted capacitive sensors; gesturerecognition cameras; or combinations of the aforementioned technologies.In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the user interface device136 is a basic switch that requires no decoding to determine the commandwhich can be passed onto the control device 152. In another illustrativeembodiment, the user interface device 136 is a touch screen and LCDcombination that requires a software code to determine the user command.Generally, the user interface device 136 determines and communicates thecommand from a user to the control device 152, and may send feedback tothe user regarding the status of treatment from the control device 152or module.

The control device 152 controls the treatment administered with thereduced-pressure treatment system 100 and, in this illustrativeembodiment, controls the action of the linking interfaces 186, 188 basedupon commands from the user via the user interface device 136. Thecontrol device 152 translates the power provided by the power subsystem178 into the pump energy for a first linking interface 186 and a secondlinking interface 188 as will be described further below and maysequence the linking interfaces 186, 188. In some illustrativeembodiments, the control device 152 contains control electronics, suchas a microprocessor running therapy code and drive electronics capableof controlling the linking interfaces 186, 188. The power for thecontrol device 152 is derived from the power subsystem 178, whichprovides power to the reduced-pressure treatment system 100 at theappropriate levels to drive the control device 152 and the linkinginterfaces 186, 188.

The power subsystem 178 may communicate data and power to the controldevice 152 and to the user interface device 136. The power subsystem 178provides the appropriate power for the control device 152 and the userinterface device 136 and may provide status information, which can bemonitored by the control device 152. The status information may includewhether the power subsystem 178 is connected to main power and thestatus of the battery charge. The status information may be presented tothe user via the user interface device 136. The power subsystem 178 alsomay charge the battery and switch over to the battery if the main powerconnection is disconnected.

The canister unit 108 includes the fluid reservoir 164 and the pump head154. In this illustrative embodiment, the reduced-pressure deliveryconduit 126 delivers fluids to the fluid reservoir 164 through thereduced-pressure inlet 174. The pump head 154 develops reduced pressurewhen the pump head 154 receives pump energy. The reduced pressure isdelivered through the conduit 180 to the fluid reservoir 164. Theconduit 180 may include one or more filters 182, such as a hydrophobicfilter, to prevent liquids from contaminating the pump head 154. Thecanister unit 108 may further include a vent conduit 196 that vents gasfrom the wound 112 (FIG. 1) to an exterior of the reduced-pressuretreatment device 106.

In operation, pump energy is supplied to the pump head 154 by at leastone linking interface, such as the first linking interface 186. In thisillustrative embodiment, the first linking interface 186 includes thefirst electromagnet 148 and a first magnetic member 190 associated withthe first diaphragm 156. The first magnetic member 190 may be a metalwasher or other member coupled to the first diaphragm 156.

In some embodiments, the user activates the reduced-pressure treatmentdevice 106 using the user interface device 136. The control device 152activates the first electromagnet 148 to develop an alternating magneticfield that is magnetically coupled to the first magnetic member 190 onthe first diaphragm 156. The first electromagnet 148 may create anelectromagnetic field in a direction substantially aligned with thelocation of the first diaphragm 156. The movement of the first diaphragm156 in conjunction with the valve assembly 184 allows for the productionof reduced pressure that is delivered into the conduit 180 and to thefluid reservoir 164. The reduced pressure then communicates through thereduced-pressure delivery conduit 126 to the tissue site 102. It shouldbe appreciated that the first linking interface 186 allows pump energyto be delivered to the pump head 154 without any fluid communicationbetween the pump control unit 110 and the canister unit 108.Accordingly, contaminants in the canister unit 108—whether gaseous orliquid—cannot reach the pump control unit 110. The more highly-valuedcomponents may reside in the pump control unit 110 and are protectedfrom contamination. In one embodiment, the canister unit 108 may bedisposable such that fresh canister units may be used with the same pumpcontrol unit 110 for ongoing applications.

In some embodiments, the second diaphragm 158 may be used with thesecond linking interface 188 to generate reduced pressure. The seconddiaphragm 158 has a second magnetic member 192 and works with the secondlinking interface 188 in a manner analogous to the first diaphragm 156and the first linking interface 186. In another embodiment, the seconddiaphragm 158 may be provided to measure the pressure within the pumphead 154.

In this latter embodiment, the displacement of the second diaphragm 158,and particularly the second magnetic member 192, is sensed via thechange in induction experienced by the second electromagnet 150. Othertechniques may be used for detecting displacement of the seconddiaphragm 158. For example, the pump control unit 110 may include aninfrared sensor that sends an infrared signal onto the second diaphragm158, and particularly, without limitation, onto the face where themagnetic member 192 is or otherwise would be. The infrared signalreturns to the infrared sensor and the distance can be detected and thedisplacement ascertained. In another example, the pump control unit 110may include a capacitance sensor and the second diaphragm 158 mayinclude a plate that when moved changes the capacitance detected by thecapacitance sensor on the pump control unit 110. In another embodiment,a ferrite material may be coupled to the second diaphragm 158. A HallEffect sensor in the pump control unit 110 may be used to sense a changein flux due to movement of the ferrite that allows the displacement tobe sensed.

In another embodiment, in addition to or in lieu of measuringdisplacement of the second diaphragm 158, the pump control unit 110 mayhave a sensor for determining displacement of the first diaphragm 156using analogous techniques. In this latter embodiment, thereduced-pressure treatment device 106 may stop providing pump energy tothe first diaphragm 156 such that the reduced pressure in the pump head154 acts on the first diaphragm 156. The sensor may then measure thedisplacement of the first diaphragm 156. The pressure in the pump head154 may be determined using the displacement measurement. When bothdiaphragms 156, 158 are used to measure reduced pressure, one diaphragmmay be used to measure the pressure in the pump head 154 and the otherdiaphragm used to measure pressure at another location such as in asampling conduit (not shown). The sampling conduit may be associatedwith the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 126.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 5A-5C, a diagram is presentedillustrating how the first electromagnet 148, which may be a magneticcoil 149, interacts with the first magnetic member 190 on the firstdiaphragm 156 and the pump chamber 160 to produce reduced pressure. Thefirst electromagnet 148 may be within the interior 144 (FIG. 2) of thebase portion 140 (FIG. 2) and may have the cover 142 disposed betweenthe first electromagnet 148 and the first diaphragm 156. FIG. 5A showsthe first electromagnet 148 in the un-energized position, or neutralposition. In FIG. 5B, the first electromagnet 148 has been energized andprovides an electromagnetic force that acts on the first magnetic member190. As such, the electromagnetic force urges the first magnetic member190 towards the first electromagnet 148 to a first position. FIG. 5Cshows the electromagnetic force having been reversed such that the firstelectromagnet 148 urges the first magnetic member 190 away from thefirst electromagnet 148 to a second position. It should be appreciatedthat the volume (V₁) of the pump chamber 160 in the first position isgreater than the volume (V₂) in the second position. Thus, fluid in thepump chamber 160 is removed and then, as the first magnetic member 190is urged back towards the first electromagnet 148, a reduced pressure iscreated within the pump chamber 160. The reduced pressure remains in thepump chamber 160 because fluid is not pulled back into the pump chamber160 because of the one-way valves 194.

Referring again primarily to FIG. 1, in operation of thereduced-pressure treatment system 100, the manifold 104 is disposedproximate the tissue site 102. The manifold 104 and a portion of thepatient's epidermis 114 are covered with sealing member 120. The sealingmember 120 is used to help form a fluid seal over the manifold 104 andthe tissue site 102. If not already installed, the reduced-pressureinterface 124 is installed to provide fluid access to the manifold 104.The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 126 is used to fluidly couple thereduced-pressure interface 124 to the reduced-pressure treatment device106.

Then the reduced-pressure treatment device 106 is activated. In someembodiments, the reduced-pressure treatment device 106 may be activatedusing the user interface device 136. As previously described, activationof the reduced-pressure treatment device 106 energizes the first linkinginterface 186 and provides pump energy from the pump control unit 110 tothe pump head 154. The second linking interface 188 may also providepump energy from the pump control unit 110 to the pump head 154 andparticularly the second diaphragm 158. The pump energy moves at leastone diaphragm, e.g., the first diaphragm 156, and develops reducedpressure as previously described. Throughout the operation or atintervals the pressure in the pump head 154 or at the tissue site 102may be determined by sensing displacement of the diaphragms 156, 158 aspreviously described.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 6, another illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment device 206 is presented. Thereduced-pressure treatment device 206 is analogous to thereduced-pressure treatment device 106 of FIG. 4 except that a pump head254 operates on fluids directly returning from a reduced-pressuredelivery conduit 226 that are then delivered by a conduit 280 to a fluidreservoir 264. As in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the reduced-pressuretreatment device 206 includes a pump control unit 210 and a canisterunit 208. The pump control unit 210 may include controls or a userinterface device 236, a power subsystem 278, a control device 252, afirst electromagnet 248, and a second electromagnet 250 that areanalogous to the user interface device 136, the power subsystem 178, thecontrol device 152, the first electromagnet 148, and the secondelectromagnet 150, respectively, of FIG. 4.

The canister unit 208 includes the pump head 254. The pump head 254includes a first diaphragm 256 and a second diaphragm 258 that may havea first magnetic member 290 and a second magnetic member 292,respectively. The pump head 254 may include a valve assembly 284 thatoperates in conjunction with the first diaphragm 256 to produce reducedpressure. The first diaphragm 256 acts directly on fluids delivered fromthe reduced-pressure delivery conduit 226. The canister unit 208 mayfurther include a vent conduit 296 that vents gas from the wound, e.g.the wound 112 of FIG. 1, to an exterior of the reduced-pressuretreatment device 206. A filter 298 may be added to the vent conduit 296to prevent liquids and odor from exiting the canister unit 208.

In operation, pump energy is supplied from the first electromagnet 248to the first diaphragm 256 by a first linking interface 286. The pumpenergy moves the first diaphragm 256 and creates reduced pressure. Thefirst linking interface 286 includes the first electromagnet 248 and thefirst magnetic member 290 on the first diaphragm 256. The first linkinginterface 286 may further monitor pressure in the canister unit 208 bysensing displacement as previously described. Similarly, a secondlinking interface 288 includes the second electromagnet 250 and thesecond magnetic member 292 on the second diaphragm 258 for monitoringpressure at the tissue site 102, e.g., the wound 112 of FIG. 1.

Referring still primarily to FIG. 6, but in regard to an alternativeillustrative embodiment, the linking interfaces 286, 288 may be amechanical link. In this illustrative embodiment, the first linkinginterface 286 may include the first electromagnet 248, a firstmechanical actuator (not explicitly shown), and the first diaphragm 256.The first electromagnet 248 receives a first end (proximal end) of afirst mechanical actuator (not explicitly shown) and the first diaphragm256 receives a second, opposing end (distal end) of the first mechanicalactuator. When energized, the first electromagnet 248 moves the firstmechanical actuator, and the first mechanical actuator in turn moves thefirst diaphragm 256. The first electromagnet 248 may monitor thepressure in the canister unit 208 by measuring the position of the firstdiaphragm 256. Similarly, the second linking interface 288 may includethe second electromagnet 250, a second mechanical actuator (notexplicitly shown), and the second diaphragm 258. The second linkinginterface 288 may move the second diaphragm 258 to produce reducedpressure. In addition or alternatively, the second electromagnet 250 maymonitor the pressure level in the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 226by measuring the position of the second diaphragm 258 via the secondmechanical actuator. The first and second mechanical actuators mayoptionally include hydraulic fluids. Thus, the first and second linkinginterfaces 286, 288 operate to move the first and second diaphragms 256,258, respectively, while remaining fluidly isolated from any of thefluid paths within the canister unit 208.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 7, another illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment device 306 is presented. Thereduced-pressure treatment device 306 is analogous in most respects tothe reduced-pressure treatment device 106 in FIG. 4. For example, thereduced-pressure treatment device 306 includes a canister unit 308 and apump control unit 310. The pump control unit 310 may include controls ora user interface device 336, which is analogous to the user interfacedevice 136 of FIG. 2. The pump control unit 310 further includes a powersubsystem 378. The power subsystem 378 and the user interface device 336may be electronically coupled to a control device 352. In thisillustrative embodiment, the pump control unit 310 further includes afirst pump 353 and may further include a valve assembly 355. The firstpump 353, alone or in conjunction with the valve assembly 355, providespositive or reduced pressure through a first conduit 357 to a firstdiaphragm 356 in order to cause the first diaphragm 356 to move.Similarly, a second conduit 359 may provide positive or reduced pressureto a second diaphragm 358.

The canister unit 308 includes a pump head 354, or second pump, thatincludes the first and second diaphragms 356, 358. A second valveassembly 384 may be included with the pump head 354. The first diaphragm356, alone or with the second valve assembly 384, operates under theinfluence of pump energy to produce reduced pressure that is deliveredto a conduit 380 and subsequently to a fluid reservoir 364. The conduit380 may include one or more filters 382, such as a hydrophobic filter.The reduced pressure in the fluid reservoir 364 is delivered to areduced-pressure delivery conduit 326. The canister unit 308 may furtherinclude a vent conduit 396 that vents gas from the tissue site, such asthe wound 112 of FIG. 1, to an exterior of the reduced-pressuretreatment device 306.

In the reduced-pressure treatment device 306, the first conduit 357forms a portion of a first linking interface 386. The first linkinginterface 386 further includes the first pump 353 (and optionally thevalve assembly 355) and the first diaphragm 356. The first linkinginterface 386 may include a first pressure detector (not shown). Thus,positive pressure or reduced pressure generated by the first pump 353 iscommunicated to the first diaphragm 356 and constitutes pump energy thatmay be used to develop reduced pressure in the pump head 354. Pressurewithin the canister unit 308 may be monitored using the first pressuredetector (not shown) by measuring the position of the first diaphragm356. Similarly, the second conduit 359 makes up a portion of a secondlinking interface 388. The second linking interface 388 also includesthe first pump 353 (and optionally the valve assembly 355), the seconddiaphragm 358, and a second pressure detector (not shown). Pressure atthe wound, e.g., the wound 112 of FIG. 1, may be monitored using thesecond pressure detector (not shown) by measuring the position of thesecond diaphragm 358.

The first and second linking interfaces 386 and 388, provide a pneumaticcoupling between the pump control unit 310 and the canister unit 308.The first pump 353 may be run at a constant load point and may furtherinclude a reservoir between the first pump 353 and the valve assembly355. The first pump 353 can switch back and forth between ambient andhigher pressure. In an alternative illustrative embodiment, the firstpump 353 may be replaced with a compressed gas vessel and a compressedgas may be provided to the first diaphragm 356 to provide the pumpenergy to develop reduced pressure in the pump head 354. (It should benoted that the first conduit 357 provides pump energy to the pump head354, but remains fluidly isolated from the contaminated fluid paths ofthe canister unit 308.)

Referring now primarily to FIG. 8, another illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment device 406 that is analogousin most respects to the reduced-pressure treatment device 106 of FIGS.1-6 is presented. The reduced-pressure treatment device 406 includes acanister unit 408 and a pump control unit 410. The pump control unit 410may include controls or a user interface device 436, a power subsystem478, and a control device 452. As before, the user enters data ordesired settings on the user interface device 436. The power subsystem478 provides power to the control device 452. In this illustrativeembodiment, the control device 452 further includes a piezoelectriccontroller and driver unit 461.

The piezoelectric controller and driver unit 461 is electrically coupledby a first electrical coupling 457 to a first piezoelectric member 463,which is part of or coupled to a first diaphragm 456. Similarly, asecond electrical conduit 459 couples the piezoelectric controller anddriver unit 461 to a second piezoelectric member 465, which is part ofor coupled to second diaphragm 458. Thus, a first linking interface 486includes the piezoelectric controller and driver unit 461, the firstelectrical coupling 457, a first pressure detector (not shown), and thefirst piezoelectric member 463. Pump energy may be delivered through thefirst linking interface 486 to the first diaphragm 456. Pressure withinthe canister unit 408 may further be monitored by measuring the positionof the first diaphragm 456 using the first pressure detector (notshown). A second linking interface 488 includes the piezoelectriccontroller and driver unit 461, the second electrical coupling 459, asecond pressure detector (not shown), and the second piezoelectricmember 465. Pressure in a reduced-pressure delivery conduit 426 may bemonitored by the piezoelectric controller and driver unit 461 bymeasuring the position of the second diaphragm 458, via the secondpressure detector (not shown). The first diaphragm 456 works within apump head 454 to produce reduced pressure that is delivered by a conduit480 to a fluid reservoir 464. The conduit 480 may include one or morefilters 482, such as a hydrophobic filter. The reduced pressuredelivered into the fluid reservoir 464 communicates reduced pressure tothe reduced-pressure delivery conduit 426.

In operation, the control device 452 and the piezoelectric controllerand driver unit 461 provide a first piezoelectric control signal that isdelivered by the first electrical coupling 457 to the firstpiezoelectric member 463. The first piezoelectric member 463, whenenergized, causes movement of the first diaphragm 456. The movement ofthe first diaphragm 456 and the pump head 454 develops reduced pressurethat is delivered to the conduit 480. A valve assembly 484 may beincluded within the pump head 454 to help produce the reduced pressure.The canister unit 408 may further include a vent conduit 496 that ventsgas from a wound, such as the wound 112 of FIG. 1, to an exterior of thereduced-pressure treatment device 406.

In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment (not shown) that isanalogous in most respects to the reduced-pressure treatment device 106of FIGS. 1-4, a reduced-pressure treatment device is presented thatincludes a pump control unit and a canister unit. The pump control unitmay include a user interface device, a power subsystem, and a controldevice. The user interface device and the power subsystem may beelectronically coupled to the control device. The pump control unit mayfurther include one or more laser lights. The canister unit includes apump head that may have one or more diaphragms that correspond to theone or more laser lights. In operation, pump energy is supplied to theone or more diaphragms by one or more linking interfaces.

In this embodiment, the linking interface include the laser light andthe diaphragm. The linking interface is operable to deform the diaphragmvia laser light to create a pumping action within the pump head togenerate reduced pressure. In this illustrative embodiment, the one ormore diaphragms may be thermo-reactive diaphragms that may be made fromspectra-absorbent polymers that absorb light and which are treated withconductive materials that may help dissipate heat generated by the laserlight. The thermo-reactive diaphragms are operable to deform under theapplication of laser light. In another illustrative embodiment, the oneor more diaphragms may be made from a flexible material capable ofabsorbing a defined wavelength of light to undergo a change incrystalline morphology that changes the density of the material therebychanging the shape of the diaphragm; i.e., the flexible material isoperable to deform under the application of laser light.

In view of the foregoing illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of FIGS.1-8, it should be clear that a linking interface is any arrangement forproviding energy from the pump control unit to the pump head whilekeeping the pump control unit fluidly separate or isolated from thepotentially contaminated portion of the pump head. In many instances,the linking interface involves using a magnetic field. Other embodimentsof the linking interface include using a pneumatic link that moves thediaphragm, using a mechanical actuator that goes between the pumpcontrol unit and pump head (on an isolated side of the diaphragm), usinglaser light, as presented in the previous paragraph, and using apiezoelectric member to move the diaphragm.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 9-12 and initially to FIG. 9, a fluidcollection system or subsystem 500 for use with a patient undergoingreduced pressure treatment is presented. The fluid collection system 500includes a canister body 502 formed with a fluid reservoir 504. Areduced-pressure delivery conduit 506, or conduit, delivers a fluid 508from a patient to the canister body 502. The reduced-pressure deliveryconduit 506 is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 504 ofthe canister body 502. An aperture 510 may be formed in the canisterbody 502 to allow the fluid 508 to be communicated to the fluidreservoir 504. One or more modules, e.g., a pump 512, pump controlelectronics 514, and power unit 516, are associated with the canisterbody 502.

The pump 512, pump control electronics 514, and power unit 516 may bedisposed within a separate compartment of the canister body 502 or insome illustrative embodiments may be in a separate unit connected to thecanister body 502. The pump 512, pump control electronics 514, and powerunit 516 may be individual modules 515 or may be coupled in variouspermutations to form larger modules 515 or units. For example, as shownin FIG. 10, the pump control electronics 514 and power unit 516 may becoupled as a module 515 that is a power-and-control unit 518. As anotherexample, FIG. 12 shows a module 515 formed with the pump 512 and thepower-and-control unit 518.

A hydrophobic filter 520 may help safeguard the pump 512 with respect tofluid entry. The pump 512 may be any device for creating reducedpressure. The pump control electronics 514 may be any device or devicesfor controlling the pump 512. The pump control electronics 514 may be,without limitation, a printed wire assembly (PWA) or an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other control unit.

In operation of the fluid collection system 500, the control electronics514 may be activated by a user interface (not shown) such that powerfrom the power unit 516 is used to activate the pump 512. The activatedpump 512 creates a reduced pressure that is delivered through the filter520 into the fluid reservoir 504. Exhaust may exit the pump 512 throughan exhaust outlet 522 as shown in FIG. 9. The reduced pressure withinthe fluid reservoir 504 is communicated to the reduced-pressure deliveryconduit 506, which is coupled to a fluid receptor (not shown) at thepatient. The reduced pressure causes a fluid 508 to be received into thefluid receptor and to flow through the reduced-pressure delivery conduit506 to the fluid reservoir 504. The fluid receptor may be any device orsubsystem for removing fluids from a patient. For example, withoutlimitation, the fluid receptor may be a suction system used in an openbody cavity or a manifold, sealing member, and reduced-pressureinterface as shown in FIG. 1.

When desired, one or more modules 515, e.g., the pump 512, the pumpcontrol electronics 514, or the power unit 516 or a combination thereof,may be removed. For example, FIG. 10 shows the power-and-control unit518 removed from the canister body 502. After removal, thepower-and-control unit 518 may be reconditioned for reuse. Easy removalof the modules 515 facilitates recycling, and recycling of one or moreof the modules 515 may be particularly advantageous since they are oftenthe more relatively expensive items of the fluid collection system 500.

After removing the power-and-control unit 518 or other module 515, thefluid reservoir 504 and other remaining aspects of the canister body 502may be discarded. In FIG. 11, only the power unit 516 is removed. InFIG. 12, a module 515 that includes the pump 512 and thepower-and-control unit 518 has been removed. Whatever components ormodules 515 are removed, the modules 515 or components are preferablyreconditioned and reused with a new canister body (not shown) and anyother necessary components. The modules 515 may be releaseably securedto the canister body 502 in a manner that facilitates relatively easyremoval by the user. For example, a module 515 may use a snap fit orhave only one or two fasteners holding the module 515 to the canisterbody 502. As additional non-limiting examples, the modules 515 may beretained by a low tack adhesive or an adhesive tape that secures one ormore modules 515 to the canister body 502.

Once removed, the modules 515 may be reconditioned for reuse. Forexample, the modules 515 may be shipped to a recycling center where themodules 515 are reconditioned. It is typically preferable to ship themodules 515 without any substantial biological waste on or in themodules 515. Because the fluid reservoir 504 of the canister body 502contains biological waste after use, the canister body 502 should not beshipped by routine shipping to a recycling center. The canister body 502should be handled as a biohazard or treated initially on site. Moreover,at least one safeguard against inadvertently shipping the canister body502 is desirable.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 13-15, as a safeguard to prevent a userfrom inadvertently shipping the fluid reservoir 504, a fitted shippingreceptacle 524 is used that is sized and configured to allow only thedesired components or modules 515 to enter the fitted receptacle 524.Put differently, the fitted shipping receptacle 524 disallows the fluidreservoir 504 and the associated portions of the canister body 502 fromentering the fitted shipping receptacle 524.

For example, referring now primarily to FIG. 13, the fitted shippingreceptacle 524 may be a waterproof, cushioned shipping envelope 526 withan opening 528 large enough to receive an acceptable component or module515, e.g. power-and-control unit 518, but small enough to prevent thecanister body 502 from entering. The cushioned shipping envelope 526includes cushioning members 529. The cushioned shipping envelope 526 hasa first panel 530 and a second panel 532 that are sealed on a first seam534 and a second seam 536. After inserting the module(s) 515 into theopening 528, the opening 528 is sealed and the module(s) therein may beshipped to the recycling center.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 14A and 14B, another illustrative,non-limiting embodiment of a fitted shipping receptacle 524 ispresented. The fitted shipping receptacle 524 is shown in an unassembledpositioned with two members a first member 538 shown in FIG. 14A and asecond member 540 shown in FIG. 14B. The two members 538, 540 are joinedas suggested to form the fitted shipping receptacle 524. The fittedshipping receptacle 524 is sized and configured to allow only thedesired components or modules 515 of a fluid collection system to beshipped. Without the use of obvious force, the canister body 502 or thefluid reservoir 504 will not fit in the fitted shipping receptacle 524.The members 538 and 540 may be made, for example, from a Styrofoammaterial or a polymer or any other suitable semi-rigid material.

In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the first member 538 has afirst fitted projecting portion 542 that has a first cavity 543. Thefirst cavity 543 is sized and configured to receive at least a portionof the desired components or modules 515, e.g., the pump controlelectronics 514 and power unit 516. The first fitted projecting portion542 may deform to receive the module(s) 515 in the first cavity 543. Atleast a portion of the module(s) 515 may be secured in the first cavity543 by an interference fit.

Likewise, the second member 540 has a second fitted projecting portion544 with a second cavity 545 that is also sized and configured toreceive at least a portion of the module(s) 515. The second fittedprojecting portion 542 may deform to receive the module(s) 515 in thesecond cavity 545. At least a portion of the module(s) 515 may besecured in the second cavity 545 by an interference fit.

A perimeter 546 of the first member 538 is sized and configured to matewith a perimeter 548 of the second member 540 to form thereby theassembled, fitted shipping receptacle 524. The fitted shippingreceptacle 524 is sized and configured to receive the designatedcomponents or modules 515 to be shipped. The fitted shipping receptacle524 is also sized and configured not to close properly with the canisterbody 502 disposed between the first member 538 and second member 540.The members 538, 540 may be combined and sealed at the perimeters 546,548 to form the assembled, fitted shipping receptacle 524. For example,the perimeters 546, 548 may be taped, glued, bonded, or otherwiseattached. Once loaded with the components or modules 515, the assembled,fitted shipping receptacle 524 may be shipped to a recycling center forreconditioning.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 15, another illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a fitted shipping receptacle 524 is presented for use witha module 515 or unit 550. The fitted shipping receptacle 524 includes afirst member 538 having a first cavity (not explicitly shown) and asecond member 540 with a second cavity 537. In this illustrativeembodiment, the unit 550 includes a pump 512 or aspects of a pump, suchas a first electromagnet 552, control device or pump control electronics514, and power unit 516. The unit 550 may also include a user interface554. The unit 550 has a unit housing 556. The first member 538 andsecond member 540 are sized and configured to receive the unit housing556 and form an interference fit to secure the unit 550 for shipping. Itshould be noted that if a canister or fluid reservoir was attached tothe unit 550, the unit 550 would not fit into the fitted shippingreceptacle 524.

After the unit 550 is used with a canister unit, e.g., the canister unit108 in FIGS. 2 and 3, the unit 550 is removed, and the unit 550 isplaced in between the first member 538 and second member 540. Themembers 538, 540 are mated to form the fitted shipping receptacle 524.With the unit 550 secured within the fitted shipping receptacle 524, thetwo members 538 and 540 may be sealed or coupled. The two members 538,540 may be taped, glued, bonded, or otherwise attached. The fittedshipping receptacle 524 may then be sent to a recycling center forreconditioning of the module 515. After reconditioning, the unit 550 maybe used with another canister unit.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 16, a fluid collection system 600 foruse with a patient undergoing reduced pressure treatment is presented.The fluid collection system 600 includes a canister unit 602 thatincludes a fluid reservoir 604. A reduced-pressure delivery conduit 606delivers fluids from the patient (not shown) to the fluid reservoir 604.The fluids removed and then delivered through reduced-pressure deliveryconduit 606 may be from a wound or from a body cavity, such as abdomen,or other location.

The canister unit 602 may be formed by combining two thermoplasticparts. The two thermoplastic parts may be joined and welded together toform the canister unit 602. The canister unit 602 may also be formed byblow molding. Injection molded foam may be blown into a mold to form thecanister unit 602. The portion of the foam that first contacts the moldmay form an exterior skin with closed cells. The foam that fills theinterior portion may have open cells that form a fluid reservoir orvolume that is capable of receiving fluids. An integrated filter 620 maybe included in the canister unit 602. The integrated filter 620 may bemade from sintered polymer. The integrated filter 620 may communicatefluid at any orientation.

The fluid collection system 600 also includes a pump control unit 608that typically includes a pump 610, a pump control 612 (or pump controlelectronics 612), and a power unit 614. The pump 610 may be any pumpadequate for producing reduced pressure that is delivered to a conduit616. For example, the pump 610 may be a micro pump, such as apiezoelectric pump, other non-motor pump, or a motor-driven pump. If amicro pump is used, a rapid evacuation port may be added to the canisterunit 602 to allow an integrated hospital suction source to be usedtemporarily to quickly evacuate the fluid reservoir 604 and aspects ofthe wound dressing. If a piezoelectric pump is used, the piezoelectricpump may be used at different frequencies as a buzzer or vibrating alertsystem for the fluid collection system 600. A hydrophobic filter 618 maybe provided on the conduit 616 to protect the pump 610 from any liquidsthat might be introduced into the conduit 616. Similarly, a hydrophobicfilter 620 may be included on a conduit 622. The conduits 616 and 622are fluidly coupled and may also be physically coupled by a connectionmember 624.

The connection member 624 may fluidly and physically couple the pumpcontrol unit 608 and the canister unit 602. The connection member 624 isoperable to selectively secure the pump control unit 608 and canisterunit 602 in relative positions. The connection member 624 is alsooperable to allow separation of the pump control unit 608 and thecanister unit 602 when desired. For example, in one illustrative,non-limiting embodiment, the connection member 624 may be a peg member,e.g., a push-on-and-twist-off type. With such a connection member 624,the pump control unit 608 may be attached or coupled to the canisterunit 602 by moving the connection member 624 together with the conduits616 and 622 so that a coupling is formed. For example, the coupling maybe formed by an outwardly biased indention hitting a groove toaccomplish a secure lock. Seals on the connection member 624 may providea fluid seal between the conduits 616, 622 and the connection member624. The connection member 624 may be formed with a tapered shape thatmates with a conduit and forms a seal. The connection member 624 mayalso be coupled by using a sealing component, e.g., an O ring or otherflexible element between the connection member 624 and a conduit. Thesealing component may be on the pump control unit 608 or on theconnection member 624 before coupling.

When desired, the pump control unit 608 may be separated or uncoupledfrom the canister unit 602 by pressing a portion of the connectionmember 624 or twisting and breaking the connection member 624. In oneillustrative, non-limiting embodiment, separating the connection member624 causes both ends of the conduits 616 and 622 to automatically seal.The separated pump control unit 608 may be placed in a fitted shippingreceptacle, e.g., the fitted shipping receptacle 524 of FIG. 13, andshipped to a recycling center for reconditioning. After reconditioning,the pump control unit 608 may be used with a new canister unit 602.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 17, another illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a fluid collection system 600 is presented. The fluidcollection system 600 includes a canister unit 602 and a pump controlunit 608. The fluid collection system 600 of FIG. 17 is analogous to thefluid control system 600 of FIG. 16 in most respects. Thus, areduced-pressure delivery conduit 606 delivers fluids from a patient tothe canister unit 602 and into a fluid reservoir (not shown, butanalogous to fluid reservoir 604 in FIG. 16). The pump control unit 608may be at least partially secured to the canister unit 602 in thisembodiment by a swivel connection 626. In this illustrative,non-limiting embodiment, the connection member 624 may be two snap tabs628. The conduit (analogous to conduits 616 and 622) between the pumpcontrol unit 608 and the canister unit 602 may be located within thesnap tabs 628 or may be separate from the snap tabs 628.

In operation, according to one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment,the fluid collection system 600 is provided with the pump control unit608 and canister unit 602 pre-assembled and ready for use. After use,the pump control unit 608 may be twisted about the swivel connection626, causing the snap tabs 628 to either break or release. A simple toolor other item, such as a coin, may be used to provide leverage to snapthe snap tabs 628. When the snap tabs 628 break, an inoperable portionof the snap tab 628 may be left in the canister unit 602. The remainingportion of the snap tab 628 may prevent the canister unit 602 from beingreused inadvertently. After breaking the snap tabs 628, the pump controlunit 608 may be lifted vertically off of the swivel connection 626. Thepump control unit 608 may be swiveled approximately 45 degrees withrespect to the canister unit 602 before lifting. Once removed, the pumpcontrol unit 608 may be placed in a fitted shipping receptacle and sentto a recycling center for reconditioning and subsequent re-use with afresh canister unit 602.

The fluid reservoirs, e.g., fluid reservoir 164, 504, 604, herein may befilled with various stabilizing options to reduce the possibility ofspillage in the event of a canister failure. For example, withoutlimitation, the following may be used wicking materials that do notalter the phase of liquids and yet that minimize their mobility;isolyzer sachets and isolyzer scatter coated materials; and oliophilliccompounds and coagulants coated onto inert, wicking or isolyzingsubstrates or the internal surfaces of the canister. These stabilizingoptions may be accomplished using multi-part molding systems with plasmatreatments or other techniques.

Reduced-pressure canisters and methods for recycling are disclosedherein. In one instance, a method for performing multiple reducedpressure treatments on one or more patients includes providing areduced-pressure treatment system that includes a first canister body, afluid reservoir, and one or more modules, such as a pump control module.The method involves using the reduced-pressure system and then removingone or more modules and placing the one or more modules in fittedshipping receptacle that disallows shipping of the fluid reservoir. Theone or more modules may be reconditioned and coupled to a secondcanister body. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed inthe context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, andalterations can be made without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated thatany feature that is described in connection to any one embodiment mayalso be applicable to any other embodiment. For example, the canisterunit 602 of FIGS. 16 and 17 may be formed with a windowed segment to thefluid reservoir 604 that may be covered with the membrane 170 of FIG. 2,i.e., an ultra high moisture-vapor transmission ratio (MVTR) membranethat allows water vapor to pass.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described abovemay relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. Itwill further be understood that reference to “an” item refers to one ormore of those items.

The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in anysuitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate.

Where appropriate, aspects of any of the embodiments described above maybe combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described toform further examples having comparable or different properties andaddressing the same or different problems.

It will be understood that the above description of preferredembodiments is given by way of example only and that variousmodifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The abovespecification, examples and data provide a complete description of thestructure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Althoughvarious embodiments of the invention have been described above with acertain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or moreindividual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerousalterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from thescope of the claims.

We claim:
 1. A fluid collection system for use with patients undergoingreduced pressure treatment, the system comprising: a canister bodyformed with a fluid reservoir; a conduit fluidly coupled to the fluidreservoir for delivering fluids to the fluid reservoir from the patient;a pump attached to the canister body and operable to develop a reducedpressure within the fluid reservoir; a removable power-and-control unitcoupled to the pump for activating and controlling the pump, wherein theremovable power-and-control unit is operable to be removed by user; anda fitted shipping receptacle sized and configured for receiving andsecuring the power-and-control unit during shipment to a recyclingcenter and preventing the canister body from being inserted into thefitted shipping receptacle.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pumpis removable and configured to be placed in the fitted shippingreceptacle for shipping to a reconditioning center.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the canister body is a first canister body and the pumpis configured to be reconditioned and removeably coupled to a secondcanister body.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the canister body is afirst canister body and the power-and-control unit is configured to bereconditioning and removeably couple to a second canister body.